Voluntary ethanol consumption during pregnancy and lactation in the golden hamster.

Golden hamsters voluntarily consume substantial amounts of ethanol without developing dependence, apparently because ethanol metabolism is rapid and efficient. Six adult female hamsters were given continuous free access to Purina chow, water and a 20% (v/v) ethanol solution before and during pregnancy and during lactation; six control females did not receive the ethanol solution. Intakes of food and water were not elevated during pregnancy, but increased markedly for both groups during lactation. Ethanol consumption remained substantial but unchanged throughout the experiment, with ethanol consumers taking an average of 3.8 g (4.4 kcal) of ethanol solution daily. No significant differences were observed in the size and weight of litters either at delivery or at 16 days postpartum.